Automation Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Job Description

The Automation Engineer leads the design, development, and implementation of automated manufacturing systems from initial concept through commissioning and operator training. This hands-on role focuses on PLC and HMI programming, robotics integration, electrical controls design, and process improvement to increase manufacturing efficiency, equipment uptime, and overall throughput. The engineer works across robotics, controls, electrical design, and testing fixtures while collaborating closely with manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance teams to deploy new automated solutions throughout the operation.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from initial concept and whiteboarding through detailed design, cabinet build, programming, testing, installation, commissioning, and operator training.
• Design and develop new automated systems for manufacturing processes and modify existing equipment to improve performance, reduce manual intervention, and enhance reliability.
• Program PLCs and HMIs for machine controls and production equipment, with a primary focus on PLC and HMI programming activities.
• Integrate and program industrial robots, particularly Fanuc robots, for machine tending, assembly, material handling, and testing applications.
• Design electrical control cabinets, create electrical schematics, and support panel wiring activities using basic electrical design tools.
• Develop testing fixtures, validation equipment, and custom automation solutions for quality and process verification.
• Improve manufacturing processes through automation, reducing cycle times, increasing throughput, and expanding automated capabilities across operations.
• Design machine controls, sensors, motion systems, and automated inspection solutions, including vision-guided and measurement-based systems.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance teams to identify automation opportunities and translate them into executable projects.
• Support equipment commissioning, troubleshooting, and startup activities on the manufacturing floor, providing hands-on technical support.
• Create bills of materials (BOMs), technical documentation, and operating procedures for automated systems and equipment.
• Provide hands-on support during equipment installation, integration with existing machinery, testing, and production launches.
• Develop robotic machine tending systems integrated with vision systems and measurement technology for real-time process control.
• Design and implement control systems for new manufacturing processes and product lines, including proprietary and patent-pending applications.
• Create automated quality and validation testing fixtures utilizing PLCs, sensors, valves, counters, and data collection systems.
• Expand automation throughout manufacturing operations through deployment of robotic cells, inline inspection systems, and process improvements.
• Take full-scope ownership of projects, managing timelines and deliverables while remaining highly hands-on in execution.
• Interface and program Fanuc robots to interact with machining centers and custom testing apparatuses.
• Assist with or provide input on mechanical setup and testing fixtures as needed to ensure successful system performance.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of experience in automation, controls, manufacturing engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• 3+ years of PLC and HMI programming experience in industrial environments.
• Proven experience programming industrial robots, preferably Fanuc robots.
• Strong electrical design experience, including creating electrical schematics and designing control panels and electrical control cabinets.
• Experience building, troubleshooting, and commissioning automated equipment on the manufacturing floor.
• Knowledge of industrial communication networks and protocols used in automation and controls.
• Experience with servo motors, stepper motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and motion control systems.
• Familiarity with pneumatic systems and automated machine controls.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in controls, robotics, and electrical systems.
• Ability to manage projects end-to-end while remaining highly hands-on with design, programming, and commissioning activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in machining, manufacturing, automation, or industrial production environments.
• Experience with CODESYS, Siemens, Beckhoff, Automation Direct, Rockwell, Allen-Bradley PLCs, or similar PLC platforms.
• Experience with industrial networking technologies such as Ethernet/IP, IO-Link, and DeviceNet.
• Familiarity with vision systems, automated inspection, and machine tending applications.
• Exposure to welding, machining, fabrication, or other skilled trades related to manufacturing.
• Experience designing fixtures, tooling, and quality validation equipment.
• Experience with basic design and layout tools for electrical schematics; exposure to AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical is beneficial but not required.
• Background in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or related disciplines.
• Comfort working with hardware and control system design, including sensors, valves, counters, and compact PLC-based systems.
• A mindset that values variety, hands-on field work, and seeing projects through from concept to fully operational systems, rather than exclusively desk-based design work.

This is a Permanent position based out of Tualatin, OR.

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $135000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Medical/Dental/Vision401(k) matchPTO/HolidaysBonus eligibilityTuition reimbursement

This is a fully onsite position in Tualatin,OR.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.